Home > Dessert > Pastries > Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

The texture of these cranberry orange scones is phenomenal – billowy soft and crumbly (as evidenced by the next picture). My sister Tanya hosted a ladies brunch/ girls tea party and these were my contribution. Remember the princess party? That’s the one! Everyone loved that these scones weren’t overly sweet (the scones themselves have just 3 Tbsp sugar!) – it’s a fairly low-guilt dessert.

The base of this recipe is modified from the strawberry scones that I guest posted for Better Homes and Gardens. The idea for the orange flavoring and glaze is based on Ina Garten’s Cranberry Orange Scones.

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour *measured correctly
3 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 Tbsp grated orange zest (from 1/2 orange)
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into chunks
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream + 1 Tbsp to brush the top
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1 Tbsp coarse/raw sugar to sprinkle the top, optional

Ingredients for the Orange Glaze:

2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice plus a pinch of orange zest

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones:

Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
1. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups flour, 3 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 Tbsp grated orange zest. Add butter pieces and using a pastry cutter (or 2 knives), cut butter into mixture until you have coarse pea-sized crumbs.

Cranberry Orange Scones-9

2. Toss in 3/4 cup dried cranberries and stir gently to combine. Make a well in the center and set aside

Cranberry Orange Scones-10

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Pour egg mixture into the flour mixture and use a spatula to stir just until moistened. tip: don’t wash the dish with your cream/egg mix. Add a little cream to it and use it to brush the scone in the next step!

Cranberry Orange Scones-11

4. Turn dough out onto a generously floured surface and pull it together into a round disk, about 3/4″ thick. Cut disk into 12 equal wedges and pull apart slightly. Brush tops of scones with 1 Tbsp heavy cream and sprinkle the top with raw sugar if desired. Bake 15-17 min until golden (mine took 16 min)

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

5. Remove scones from the hot baking sheet and let cool 15 min then whisk together 2/3 cup powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, adding more or less to desired thickness then drizzle over cranberry scones.

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

4.94 from 116 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
The texture of these cranberry orange scones is phenomenal - billowy soft and crumbly. And they are not overly sweet.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 12 scones
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp grated orange zest, from 1/2 orange, plus more for glaze
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick cold butter, cut into chunks
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream + 1 Tbsp to brush the top
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 Tbsp coarse/raw sugar to sprinkle the top, optional
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, 3 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 Tbsp grated orange zest.
  • Add butter pieces and using a pastry cutter (or 2 knives), cut butter into mixture until you have coarse pea-sized crumbs.
  • Toss in 3/4 cup dried cranberries and stir gently to combine. Make a well in the center and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 eggs and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Pour egg mixture into the flour mixture and use a spatula to stir just until moistened.
  • Turn dough out onto a generously floured surface and pull it together into a round disk, about 3/4" thick. Cut disk into 12 equal wedges and pull apart slightly. Brush tops of scones with 1 Tbsp heavy cream and sprinkle with raw sugar if desired. Bake 15-17 min until golden (mine took 16 min).
  • Remove scones from the hot baking sheet and let cool 15 min then whisk together 2/3 cup powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice and a pinch of orange zest. Add more or less powdered sugar or orange juice to reach desired thickness then drizzle over scones.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cranberry Orange Scones
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

 

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

Have you tried scones? What’s your favorite variety?

Cranberry Orange Scones recipe - billow soft, crumbly and so easy! | natashaskitchen.com

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.94 from 116 votes (49 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Elita
    November 20, 2022

    The best scones ever! Love them, so fragrant and soft. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 20, 2022

      Thank you for the lovely review!

      Reply

  • Phyliss Proctor
    November 17, 2022

    Hi Natasha, I just made these scones but added just 2 tbsps finely chopped walnuts and everyone loved them. Delicious! Thank you so much for all you do. Love, love, love your recipes. Hugs, Phyliss

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 17, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Phyliss!

      Reply

  • Kim
    March 22, 2022

    I have made these scones at least 10 times now. I alternate between the recipe as-is and changing cranberries/orange to blueberries/orange/lemon. I add one extra tablespoon of sugar. This will remain my go-to scone recipe forever. Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 22, 2022

      That is great, Kim! Thank you for sharing. I am so happy you enjoy this recipe and I appreciate the 5-star review!

      Reply

  • Val
    January 31, 2022

    Greetings,

    I love the flavor of these scones; however, I wish there were more detailed instructions as far as how to bring the dough together (as in folding in half and turning it 90 degrees few times). I had to watch other scone videos to figure out why I had hard time bringing the dough together.

    Thank you.

    Reply

  • Laura Davan
    December 12, 2021

    Easy and a crowd pleaser! I’ve made these a few times and every time they are a hit! Absolutely delicious! For added delight, add a 1/4 cup of candied orange peel with the cranberries!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 12, 2021

      Nice one, thanks for sharing! I’m glad you loved this recipe, Laura.

      Reply

  • Jacqueline S.
    October 31, 2021

    I love anything cranberry orange, it is one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe is fantastic and will be my recipe to use for all scones going forward. I used fresh cranberries that I soaked with a TBSP of orange juice. I thought this would make it sweet but it didn’t. I would likely increase my sugar by about 1tbsp next time using fresh berries (as I felt this needed a little more sweet, but I love the low sugar content!). I also glazed with orange juice (ran out of cream) and it seemed to work perfectly. Thanks again for an amazing recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 1, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jacqueline!

      Reply

  • Irina
    October 5, 2021

    Hello, I’m exited to try this recipe and I was wondering can I make them a day in advance ? How should I store them?
    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 5, 2021

      Hi Irina, it’s possible but keep in mind that refrigerated scones don’t rise as well as freshly made scones. If making overnight, don’t sprinkle on the sugar until ready to bake and let them sit at room temp before baking while your oven preheats. It may take longer to bake depending on how cold they were when you put them in the oven. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply

      • Dena
        September 22, 2023

        Hi, I noticed that your ingredients list 1 egg, but in your instructions, you mention to whisk 2 eggs with the cream. Which is correct?

        Reply

  • Bridgette
    March 31, 2021

    Hey Natasha, I love all of your recipes and use one at least every other day! I was just wondering if I could use fresh cranberries in this recipe without too much issue??

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 31, 2021

      Hi Bridgette, happy to hear that you’re enjoying my recipes! I read in the comments that others used fresh cranberries and loved the result!

      Reply

  • Trish
    March 7, 2021

    Natasha, This is now my go-to scone recipe. Love, love it. Thank you for sharing. The low sugar count is what has me hooked. That, and the fact that they are easy and delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2021

      Hello Trish, so great to hear that! I hope you’ll love every recipe that you will try.

      Reply

  • mj
    March 4, 2021

    When something is so good as these are, I simply can’t pass up the opportunity to say “oh wow!” They are as fun to make as they are fabulous to taste. With only 2 tbs. of sugar, what’s not to love. A perfect sharable gift, too. They will thank you over and over. I shared with a friend and they were delighted. Applause to you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2021

      That is awesome feedback and review! Thank you so much, MJ.

      Reply

  • Michelle
    February 23, 2021

    Natasha, I made the orange cranberry scones they we moist and delicious. I had a little problem getting the dough to stay together but it finally came together. I thought I might have over mix the dough and would be to dry. I’m definitely making these again my husband also loved them. Next time I’ll try doing Blueberry ones.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 23, 2021

      Hi Michelle, that could be the case but I’m glad that you were able to recover it. I hope you love every recipe that you will try!

      Reply

  • Angela Phillips
    February 16, 2021

    Natasha, can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe instead of dried cranberries?
    I am a huge fan and love yokr amazing recipes and your silly cooking videos. Fun!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 16, 2021

      Hi Angela, I imagine that will work too! Thank you for your support and if you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Tonya
    February 16, 2021

    I love your recipe for the Cranberry Orange Scones.
    They are delicious!
    I added 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries as well.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 16, 2021

      Aren’t they so good! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, Tonya!

      Reply

  • Sheryl
    January 24, 2021

    Turned out so good. Thank you for the recipe !!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 25, 2021

      You are very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, Sheryl.

      Reply

  • Catherine Cavner
    January 15, 2021

    These are amazing 🤩. They turned out perfect – light and fluffy. Thank You

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 15, 2021

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Catherine!

      Reply

  • Kate
    December 26, 2020

    I made them this morning and they’re beautiful. I didn’t have any heavy cream so I used 1/2 n 1/2 and it was fine. I also was out of dried cranberries but had some fresh in the freezer so I used them. I made the glaze with a blood orange from the garden. These really are delightful.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 26, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Shivana
    December 22, 2020

    Awesome recipe I substituted the cranberries for chocolate chips , love ur recipes natasha, I recently started baking ur recipes and they were all a success!!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 22, 2020

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! I’m so happy you discovered our blog.

      Reply

  • Teresa
    December 21, 2020

    I love all your recipes. When I make scones I freeze the butter and use a box grater. That way there is less chance of melting of the butter.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 21, 2020

      Thanks for your tip, Teresa. It’s good to know that you’re been enjoying my recipes!

      Reply

  • Linda
    December 12, 2020

    Hi Natashia. Just took these out of the oven less than one hour ago and my partner has already devoured 5 of them. He is totally addicted. Says they are the best he has ever tasted. Again, Thank You. Hugs from Canada…Keep Safe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2020

      Wow, thanks to you both for trying this recipe! I’m so glad you enjoyed these scones.

      Reply

  • Raluca
    November 14, 2020

    Hi,

    Your recipes are great and I learned to cook thanks to your advices; it was what I needed mostly during this pandemic.

    I would like to make this recipe also but, as I am European is difficult to understand correctly the measurement for the ingredients.
    I kindly ask if it’s possible to add also metric measurements (for example it’s difficult for me to measure 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, it makes me wonder: which cup is the appropriate one, should I buy the same kitchen tools as you have – they are not available here and more other questions 🙂 )

    Anyways, I can’t wait to try the scones!

    Thank you very much! ^_^

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 14, 2020

      Hi Raluca, most of our recipes have the metric conversion option on the printable recipe card. We are still working through adding metric measurements to all of our recipes, but it takes some time as we have to add them one at a time. Thank you so much for being patient! In the meantime, check out our post on measuring which should help.

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.